How much does a funeral cost?

Funerals are a time when we say goodbye to our loved ones and reminisce on happy memories. But funerals can also be expensive, causing financial stress for those left behind.

The cost of a traditional funeral usually includes the funeral director’s fee, as well as the price of a casket, burial plot, flowers and transport. These items can add up to a significant amount, and this amount will continue to rise with inflation. For example, Gathered Here estimates that the average cost of a burial in Australia is $19,000.1

What’s involved?

Some general funeral costs might include:

Item Description2

Cost2

Service fee

from $2000

Flowers

from $100

Transport of mourners

from $330 per car

Minister and organist fees

from $500

Removal of body

$300

Preservation of body

$210

Burial

Coffin/casket

from $800 to $10,000+

Cemetery/grave fees (includes opening and may include plaque) single or double

from $3500+

Cremation

Cremation (including certificates & cremation fees)

from $1200

Disposal of ashes via wall, niche, urn, rose garden

from $1200

Which type of funeral costs less?

The cost of a funeral service varies widely depending on what you choose. If you’re planning your own funeral, you’ll probably have a budget in mind, and it pays to shop around.

How much does cremation cost?

Generally, cremation is cheaper than burial, and is estimated to cost between $2,000 to $6,000 in Australia.3

As well as costs, you should think about whether a cremation is the right service for your family. While there is no gravesite that your family can visit, they can scatter your ashes in a place that means something special to you, such as a favourite beach.

You can also choose to have your ashes kept somewhere such as a memorial wall or garden in a cemetery for example. While this gives your loved ones a place to visit, it is also more expensive.

How much does burial cost?

Burials are often more expensive. Much of the expense of a burial is associated with the burial plot. Depending on the cemetery, a single grave can cost from $4,000 upwards.1

However, you may prefer to choose a burial service for religious and family traditions. The benefits of this include having a designated site your family can visit to be with you and remember you. Your loved ones can also bring flowers and take care of the burial site, which can be very comforting.

Ways to save on funeral costs

If you would prefer to have a more basic service, there are a number of ways you can reduce the costs of your funeral, including:

Who can afford to pay for funeral expenses at short notice?

Although it’s not something anyone likes to think about, it makes sense to prepare for your funeral now.

Remember, your funeral will be a very difficult and emotional time for your family, but you can help make this difficult time easier for them by taking out funeral insurance to help cover the cost. Preparing for your funeral is one of the most loving things you can do for those you leave behind. After all, you wouldn’t want to risk leaving your family with the financial stress of your funeral expenses, especially when they are grieving.

Funeral Insurance pays a lump sum benefit to your loved ones when the time comes for your funeral. This makes it easier for them to say goodbye without the added worry of funeral expenses and unpaid bills.

Benefits of funeral insurance

These are some of the ways Australian Seniors funeral insurance protects your family from financial stress4:

A fixed premium amount, in fact premiums reduce by 5% every 5 years you hold your policy.*

The choice of optional Children’s Insurance for your child aged between 2 and 17 years old.

Claims are usually paid out tax-free and within 1–2 business days of correct claim documentation being lodged, so your loved ones get financial support when they need it.

Accidental Serious Injury insurance is also included, providing added support in the event of certain accidental serious injuries.

You can choose the benefit amount (between $3,000 and $15,000) to be paid in the event of your death.

Acceptance is automatic for anyone aged between 18 and 79 who is an Australian resident.

Cover continues for as long as you continue to pay your premiums (guaranteed renewability).4

Find out more

To find out more about planning for the costs of your funeral you can easily apply for a no-obligation quick quote online.

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† Offer is valid for new home or contents insurance policies bought online. Discount is made up of 10% online discount, applies to the first policy year only. Further 10% combined home and contents multi-policy discount and 10% discount for Seniors Card holders or 5% discount for non-Seniors Card holders over 50 years of age, applies for the life of the policy. Minimum premiums apply, which may reduce savings discount.

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